Back in Ukraine (June 2015 Update)
Ministry …
We arrived back in Kiev on Saturday to some of the best weather I have ever experienced in Ukraine. But we know that won’t last long as summer weather will be here soon. Already I am working on getting things ready for the next class – which is next week!!! During our time in the US, the director of REALIS contacted me about doing a writing seminar for their students similar to what we have been doing at KTS the last few years. REALIS offers a Masters degree in Cross-Cultural Communications through Nyack College and Seminary in New York. I have been familiar with the ministry of REALIS since Todd Marshall began working with them over 10 years ago. So I was excited to help out, even though it would mean a lot of work getting ready in one week after returning. But that’s ministry! Be praying for me as I put together the lectures and exercises in a format that fits their schedule and needs.
In addition, Ukrainian Baptist Seminary in Lviv asked me to teach 2 courses there this year also. I will be teaching the Theology of Worship and Prayer and Theology 2 (Christology and Soteriology). While I have taught parts of both of these classes at KTS, they will need to be reworked to fit the different seminary schedule in Lviv. I will also need to add the section on worship since I have not done this section at KTS. So, in addition to the classes I will be teaching at KTS, I will also be teaching these courses this year! Be praying for me as I put together these new courses along with teaching the old ones.
Russian – I am trying to keep working on Russian every day. I really need to. If I had time, I would take another year of Russian but my schedule does not permit it. But I can converse with just about anyone, just not very freely. I need lots of work! Pray that I will stay focused and keep working on my Russian. Soon, I will also need to start working on Ukrainian! I never thought I’d be learning two new languages after I turned 60!!! God sure has a sense of humor!
We missed being at graduation this year (May), but you can see the great group of graduates from KTS (picture). Be praying for them as they move out into the world to minister the gospel to people in Ukraine.
Family …
We have a car!!! A few days after we arrived, Sasha brought our car from Rivne. It is a 2008 Citroen C4 Picasso. It has a very economical diesel engine and many extra that we did not expect! Most important is that it will seat up to 7 passengers which will be helpful for family and ministry. We know we will need some repairs since it is over 7 years old and has over 200,000 km. But it looks like a very nice car. We will still use mass transportation as much as possible for short trips but it already feels like we are living in a different universe just having a car :). 
We are working on getting ready for baby #2. We don’t have a name yet but we are working on that. Katya is doing great with her pregnancy and she is due the middle of July. So… we are also trying to get things set up before the baby arrives. Lots to do!!!
We had a busy, but wonderful time in the US with family and friends. After a month in Arkansas, we got to spend a relaxing week in GA before heading to Florida to meet up with my kids visiting Debbie’s parents. Though the time was short, we had a great time (and Kristina loved the beach!).
Ukraine …
The situation in Ukraine is continues to be continues quiet, but the war is really continuing and even heating up again. No one knows why Russia continues to send troops into Ukraine while denying their presence. But the conflict seems to be increasing again with now 4-5 Ukrainian soldiers dying a day. We also have a number of students and friends who have been called up into the army because of the crisis. Pray for these men and their families as they help to defend Ukraine against the Russian/Separatists trying to tear Ukraine apart. Also pray for those who minister to them (we have a number of people in our church helping with the military and the refugees).
Thank you again for your prayers for us! Many ask about our safety so we know we are in your hearts and prayers. Right now, where we live, it is safe. But we know that could change at any minute. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!
By His Grace,
Jim, Katya and Kristina
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